I am interested in purchasing a spey rod and reel for use on Wisconsin tribs. I have been looking at the St. Croix imperial 13' 7/8. The reels I have researched are the Teton Tioga 10 and the Okuma Integrity 9/10. I know there are many other brands out there so I am just looking for some more info, reccomendations, and options. I usually fish all river sizes targeting steelhead, brown trout, and salmon. Any info is greatly appreciated!

BLACK FRANCIS

12-23-2004, 05:43 AM

if your gl water is similar to ours then you are definitly on the right track. if you tend to need to make casts over 70 ft i might go heavier or if you need a lot of weight to get down to the fish. otherwise a 13' 8 wt would be a pretty middle of the road choice. i personally would stay away from the okuma reel they are pretty cheaply made and not too durable, although the price is probably right. the tetons are nice and you may want to look at J ryall reels as well or even a ross cimarron #5 for a dependable inexpensive reel that will hold a spey line. good luck, you will find all the info you need to make a good decisicion right here.

Shaq

12-23-2004, 08:30 AM

I don't have much to go on but I really like my CND Custom 1307. It's a 7/8 and likes the windcutter 678. I believe it is several ounces lighter than the St Croix and really bombs the line out there. Can also handle casting a weighted fly or acouple of small splits. (Blasphime!!). A more traditional action for around $400. I have the lamson litespeed 3.5 but wish I had bought the 4.

I'm not a big fan of the St. Croix -- not the most capable rod out there -- quite soft and not much guts. Rods that I've tried or owned in the same price and size range with much more horsepower? Loop Blue 8124 -- an 8 wt. despite the 8/9 rating with a stiff butt that will cast as far as you're likely to need to go, but with a light quick tip that makes for easy short range spey casting or fishing with bobber and nymph. The CND 1308SP also comes to mind -- a similar action to the St. Croix but way more capable. The fast Daiwa Lochmor 12'6" - 8 wt. -- a casting cannon that I've tossed a DL 8/9 an honest 100' but still tractable in tight.

I've not tried the light TFO but it's supposed to be a decent rod. I'm also holding for someone a used Loomis GL3 12'6" - 7/8 that's a little gem and $400.00 CAD, no tube.

There are a lot of other great rods in this size range but they're a fair bit more money so I haven't mentioned them. After spending time with Dave's St. Croix, I really don't think it's a great choice despite the price. Yes it will cast, and yes you can catch fish with it and no, it isn't junk, but cast it side-by-side with the Loop, CND, Daiwa, or GL3 and you'd never go back to it.

But then, you live in Wisconsin so buying St. Croix maybe a requirement of state citizenship or something. :)

sva01

12-23-2004, 09:39 AM

I've got the 14' 9 weight Imperial. I don't use it any more so if you're interested let me know. I'll let it go for cheap.

removed_by_request

12-25-2004, 09:00 AM

For the $$ you can't beat a Loop blue. They are sweet casting sticks that allow you to utilize heavy tips/big flies.

Check out Aaron speyshop.com (site sponsor) he can hook you up with a Loop or CND(very nice stick too).

peter-s-c

12-25-2004, 02:40 PM

In this price range, the Blue is hard to beat. If you prefer full flexing rods, the CND is it. But if stiff rods are your thing, then a Daiwa Lochmor is as stiff, if not stiffer than a GLX or T&T and yet performs the same way at less than half the price. The Blue splits the difference in action.

Dornblaser

01-05-2005, 02:44 PM

pin4life,

The Wisconsin tribs are my home waters. Although preferences vary, I like the 13' length as our rivers are not as wide or deep as the neighboring rivers in Michigan. And, yet a 13' rod would be very servicable for a one or twice a season trek out of state.